Last week I had a blast recording with great musicians and friends Joel Frahm, Jim White, and Marty. We played some schools and small towns in Wyoming and finished up at Muse Performance Space In Lafayette. The band recorded on the final day at Mighty Fine Studios. I'm looking forward to releasing the results on OA2 records this summer.

Here's a clip of an original of mine The Last time this happened from our concert at the University of Wyoming on Monday, February 25.

As the follow-up to his critically-acclaimed Big Band recording, 'Clockwise: The Music of Cedar Walton,' pianist Ben Markley presents this spirited and thoroughly modern quartet session of original compositions, featuring alto saxophone great Greg Osby. Inspired by their developing musical relationship over the last four years, Markley composed a set of music with Osby in mind, followed by a tour and this recording. With the crisp and fully engaged support of bassist Evan Gregor and drummer Dru Heller, the effect of Markley and Osby's fluid rapport creates an inspired argument for further exploration. ''Basic Economy' is a vivid presentation of the sound of today, with a healthy nod to the institutions of chance and imagination. ' - Greg Osby

On Saturday, January 6th the Ben Markley Big Band performed on the evening concert of the Jazz Education Network conference. The band was joined by guests Terell Stafford and Jeff Hamilton and played selections from their recording Clockwise:The Music of Cedar Walton. This recording had a wonderful year. It received much acclaim and most recently was voted one of the best 4 star albums of 2017 by DownBeat magazine.

Join Matt Smiley, Brian Claxton, and myself this Wednesday, August 9 at Nocturne for the last night of our residency. We've had a blast the past six weeks and sound like a band. We'll be doing a live recording, so come check us out and be part of one of the first recordings to come from Nocturne.